Image stabilizer for a microcamera module of a handheld device, and method for stabilizing a microcamera module of a handheld device

Abstract

A method and a handheld device for stabilizing an image captured by an optical lens of a micro camera integral with the handheld device, which may, for example, be a mobile phone. Motion sensors sense motion of the device and are used to cause movement of the micro camera to substantially compensate for the sensed movement so as to maintain a steady, focussed image to be displayed by a display on the handheld device or elsewhere, such as a remote display. The micro camera is moved by one or more motion actuators which move the camera in a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the lens of the camera and / or move the camera so as to pivot the lens axis.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to image stabilization, and, in particular, is directed to a method and hand held device for stabilizing an image.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Handheld devices such as mobile or handheld terminals provide enormous flexibility over traditional wired telephone handsets. These handheld devices enable the communication of data, voice and / or video at locations other than a residence, office or payphone. To enhance such communication of information, many handheld devices have included special components and features. For example, handheld devices include micro camera modules to process and provide video and imagery.[0005]One problem in providing video and imagery is to stabilize a previously focused image if the handheld device moves slightly. Current image stabilization methods use a normal camera having several lenses or prisms. However, micro camera modules are generally small ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The image stabilization device and method of the present invention has a variety of uses. In particular, for use as a videophone and for taking of video images, the handheld device can provide a video image substantially without motion, vibration, blur, and the like generally caused by unintended movements of the handheld device. The handheld device of the present invention can also take sharp, static pictures at a slow shutter speed because image stabilization compensates for the effects of hand movement associated with operation of the shutter of the camera.

Problems solved by technology

One problem in providing video and imagery is to stabilize a previously focused image if the handheld device moves slightly.

However, micro camera modules are generally small in size, e.g., they may be only a few millimeters, and, because of their size, are generally restricted to having a single lens.

As such, current image stabilization mechanisms that require multiple lenses or prisms are not appropriate for use with handheld devices having micro camera modules.

Images